Book Review: Burn for Burn – Jenny Han & Siobhan Vivian

BIG GIRLS DON’T CRY…
THEY GET EVEN.
Postcard-perfect Jar Island is the kind of place where nobody locks their doors at night, where parents can sleep easy, knowing their daughters are tucked away safe and sound in their beds.
But bad things can happen, even to good girls, and sometimes the only way to make things right is to do something wrong.
Lillia used to trust boys, but not anymore. Not after what happened this summer. And she will be damned if she lets the same thing happen to her little sister.
Kat is through with being called a freak. She’s over the rumors, the insults, the cruel jokes made at her expense. It all goes back to one person – her ex-best friend – and Kat’s ready to make her pay.
Four years ago, Mary left Jar Island because of a boy. But she’s not the same girl anymore. Now that she’s back, he’s gonna be in trouble…’cause she’s coming after him.
Three very different girls who want the same thing: sweet, sweet revenge. And they won’t stop until they’ve each had a taste.

First Sentence: The morning fog has painted everything white.

My Review:

When I first heard that Jenny Han and Siobhan Vivian was writing a book together, my first thought was somewhere along the lines of oh no! and I’m not checking that out! I didn’t like Jenny Han’s Summer trilogy at all (the first book was too boring for me) and I found Siobhan Vivian’s The List an okay read, but not at all memorable. But surprise, surprise, I did indeed check Burn for Burn out, and the thing is, I loved it!

What immediately grabbed my attention about Burn for Burn was its breathtaking cover. I have never met a book that manages to have it’s entire cover covered with huge block-like letters – and look good doing it. Burn for Burn is that book.

Luckily for me, the outside of the book matched its inside. Burn for Burn is told from three different points of views: Lillia, Kat, and Mary. It was a bit confusing at first because I was trying to figure out which girl was which on the cover – and how they were hurt/betrayed that caused them to want revenge. It took a while for the betrayals to appear since the book was told from present time – flashback – and back to present time in some chapters.

I’ve never met any book that got me angry, really angry. So angry that I just wanted to find that bully that harassed me in the eighth grade, shake him, and then punch him out. That’s what Burn for Burn did. It relived my old experiences getting bullied – and actually made me want to do something about it instead of just sitting there enduring the bullying. I could feel my face getting redder and redder as I read on. I felt the pain and anger Lillia, Kat, and Mary had felt and dealt with like it was my own.

One character that majorly annoyed me to no end was Rennie. Who does she think she is? She pretends to be so nice and supportive, but in the end, it’s her opinion that matters and her own agenda. Throughout the book, I was wondering why Lillia even put up with her, especially since Rennie played a huge part of what happened to Lillia. She just watched it happen, knowing what a big deal it was for her “best friend” and just ignored her. That’s just sick. And for Rennie to supposingly “love” Reeve after what she did with another guy just screams [a word that I’ll prefer not to mention]. Rennie deserves a lot worse than what the girls did to her.

The cliffhanger at the end was amazing. I definitely think that Reeve got exactly what he deserved. In fact, I hope he lives so he can suffer through it. It also brings up a lot of questions. What will happen next? Will they get caught? Will the truth come out?

Despite what people say, I can find no paranormal element in Burn for Burn unless you count those weird incidents around Mary, but as for me being my realistic self, I highly doubt it. Like Kat said, it all must be a coincidence. But if there is a hint of paranormal events revolving around Mary, then she might be the next Carrie*…

I can feel a major conflict brewing in the next book focused around one character: Alex. Kat wants him back, but he had always liked Lillia all along. I wonder how that will turn out.

Last, but not least, I’ll definitely be rechecking Jenny Han’s Summer trilogy. Maybe I should give it another chance and have been missing out on something awesome. Just maybe.

Honestly I originally wanted to read this but so many people started to compare it to PLL, that I lost all interest. I have seen mixed reviews for this so I’m still conflicted. There seems to be so much drama in this book, and great characters and twists and turns. You have got me curious!

Is it totally like Pretty Little Liars ? Cause I read until the 11 th book in that series and then gave up on it . The blurb sounds interesting and I believe I would like this book ! Plus that title is catchy too! I am sure going to buy this one !

I feel the exact same way about Rennie! She wads a horrible person and friend. Mary really tugged at my hear strings. I cried so hard when I read about what Reed did to her. Mind you, I was on the bus on my way back to Uni. I noticed the paranormal undertones, and at first I didn’t notice it like it you said. I don’t think I noticed until the end at the dance. At first, I wasn’t too excited about it but then I thought what the hell. I am soooooo excited for the sequel!

Yes, Rennie is such a horrible person, and I don’t say that usually. She’s a horrible friend, like ugh.
The paranormal element felt like a last ditch effort. It wasn’t really needed in my opinion.
I’m soo excited for the sequel too! :DKelly recently posted…ARC Book Review: This Song Will Save Your Life – Leila Sales

Yet another book I haven’t read but want to! I haven’t read PLL, but this sounds interesting. I was really surprised to hear of a paranormal element to the book in reviews because I didn’t get that feel from the synopsis at all, so it’s interesting that you said you really can’t find anything paranormal about it. Great review, makes me want to read it even more!

We have recently read this book and we share your opinion about Rennie! She’s awful and bitchy!
We also thought the same about Reeve, but after reading the second book… we have totally changed our minds! Now, as incredible as it sounds, we like him! At first we thought that something was wrong with us! hahaha
By the way, great review. It was a relieve too see that another person shared our opinions ;)The Unofficial Addiction Book Fan Club recently posted…FFBC Tour: Uniquely Unwelcome (The Shadow World #1) by Brandy Nacole

Yeah, the cover does indeed look a lot like it’s a chick-lit book, doesn’t it? Luckily, it’s not that at all, Burn For Burn is pretty similar to Pretty Little Liars.Kelly recently posted…Stacking the Shelves [47]

Aww I just bought this book last night and now I kinda don’t want to read it lol. I sorta enjoyed Jenny hans summer books but I didn’t entirely love them. But I guess I have to give this book a try considering I paid for it.

I never thought that I would reconsider this. I read The Summer Trilogy by Jenny Han. And I absolutely hated all of it (well the third book was kinda a meh for me :D). I saw this at the bookstore once, I was about to buy it but then I saw its written by Jenny Han. So I immediately put it down (Mom was surprised that I put that one down). But I guess this is an intriguing book. I think I can connect with all that bullying that’s happening there. So glad to read your review, as always its amazing Kelly :D

I TIRED reading Jenny Han’s The Summer I Turned Pretty, but it wasn’t the book for me either Jules. I was SO surprised and shocked to actually read Burn For Burn and LIKE it. (Thank goodness for the gorgeous cover or else I wouldn’t have EVER picked the book up.)
Burn For Burn is a bit like Pretty Little Liars, so if you like PLL, you’ll definitely like Burn For Burn too.
Ha ha, thanks Jules! <3Kelly recently posted…Let’s Speculate: Do You Read The Acknowledgements Page?

I am soo happy you liked this book! I just checked it out from the library and I really hope I like it! The cover is definitely one of my faves and I like Jenny Han’s Summer books so hopefully this works out!Michelle @ Unraveling Books recently posted…Blog Tour – By Blood by Tracey E. Banghart

The cover was what made me buy this book the first place. ;D
As for Jenny Han’s Summer series, I sadly haven’t read them yet. I tried to two years ago, but it just wasn’t my type of book. I don’t really like just plain old contemporaries. >___< Kelly recently posted…First Year Blogoversary + Three Giveaways!

I remember when I wanted to read this book so bad around July I think. But then other releases of books started coming out and I forgot about this one. I think I might want to read it soon though. It sounds so interesting! :D

ok…im sold.. i didnt really take any interest in this book since i have seen it and heard about it..but your review gives some detail–but not too much (i Like) and goes into the book which makes me interested in reading it!!

Great review. I really like books that give me a really strong emotion while reading them, like how this one made you genuinely angry. I was pretty iffy about reading this cause I understood it was about revenge but no idea against what. Bullying was a personal issue with me so I’ll be sure to pick this one up soon!Elena recently posted…BEB Review: Under the Never Sky

Quite a number of my school mates are currently raving about this book and its sequel. When I first saw it in the bookstore and read the summary at the back part, I admit, it didn’t really spark up my interest so I placed it back down and settled for a different book. But since people are raving about it, and my friend, whose opinions I trust, has told me that Burn for Burn is in fact a great book, I’ve decided to check it out and give it a chance. It was nice hearing your thoughts about the book. Burn for Burn is now definitely in my TBR. :)

Well, if you love Pretty Little Liars, I can definitely say that you’ll also love this one too.
My friends are also raving about Fire With Fire, which I haven’t read, YET. I will read it though, hopefully sometime soon.Kelly recently posted…Book Review: Marie Antoinette, Serial Killer – Katie Alender

Overall this book was really good. I hope in the next book Rennie gets what she deserves in Fire with Fire. I kinda feel bad for Reeve, i don’t know why but i do. i feel something big is going to happen in the second book. But this is a really good review. Good job.

Ha ha, I’ve seen some spoilers for Fire with Fire and I’ll say that Rennie definitely got what she deserves. ;D
Really? I don’t see any good side to Reeve; I absolutely HATE him.
Thanks Vanessa! (:Kelly recently posted…Stacking the Shelves [57]

I was a bit surprised that I decided to give this book a chance, but I am so glad that I did. I loved this book. Rennie is probably one of the worst characters that I have ever come across in a story. I hate that Lennie put up with her. She deserves so much better. I loved Alex and Kat. Amazing characters. I don’t know if I am rooting for them or for Alex and Lennie. Either way, I am looking forward to Fire with Fire. I am hoping we get some more good old revenge!

Jenny Han’s The Summer I Turned Pretty trilogy is a little too slow for me too esp the first book but when you really get to it you’ll love it. Burn for Burn is a great book! Cant wait for ashes to ashes!

YES OMG FINALLY WHO UNDERSTANDS ME WHEN I SAY I DIDN’T LIKE THE SUMMER I TURNED PRETTY AT ALL! I’m not that hooked with Jenny Han’s writing style (I’ve also read To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before) but I’m willing to give this book a try.

I totally agree with the cover! IT’S AMAZING! And yet they decided to go through a cover change for the third book. Like what evenA recently posted…KEEP YOUR EYES OPEN FOR WHAT’S COMING

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Effortlessly Reading sometimes receives ARCs (Advance Reader Copies) from publishers or authors in exchange for honest reviews. Please note that no compensation of any kind has been provided in exchange for a review. Any use and/or duplication of my material without any permission is strictly prohibited.